After 94 years, state’s Northern Neck Ginger Ale will be no more
A nearly century-old Virginia classic will be laid to rest this year, the Coca-Cola company announced in a news release Friday.
Northern Neck Ginger Ale is a niche but also fervid favorite in these parts, known for its distinctive ginger bite, ever since Arthur Carver bottled his first formulation in Montross during the soda boom of 1926. Last year, Virginia State Del. Margaret Ransone, from the district that includes the Northern Neck, even launched a failed effort to make Northern Neck Ginger Ale the official state soda of Virginia.
But by then the soda was no longer in Montross. Coca-Cola bought the ginger ale in 2001 and moved production to the CocaCola Consolidated plant in Sandston.
Facing an aluminum can shortage during the pandemic this year, Coca-Cola had already ceased production of Northern Neck in July. Now, the company announced, the discontinuation will become permanent.
“(We are) taking the tough but important steps to identify those products that are losing relevance and therefore should exit the portfolio,” said Coca-Cola executive Cath Coetzer in a news release. Resources would instead be devoted to “promising innovations like Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Coca-Cola Energy and AHA flavored sparkling water.”
Other brands that will be discontinued include cult dietsoda TaB, and Diet Coke Feisty Cherry.
Virginia fans of Northern Neck have not taken the announcement idly.
Three change.org petitions have sprung up in the past few days urging Coca-Cola to reconsider, or to sell the Northern Neck formula to another bottling company. Each has garnered thousands of signatures.
“NNK Ginger Ale has been a key factor in curing everything from a tummy ache to depression,” wrote LaWanda Kelly in her petition, which has amassed 3,500 signatures as of Monday afternoon. “Many people depend on this beverage after a long day or just to wash down a meal. Keeping this beverage in production will keep many smiles in place. Releasing this greatness from production would render a devastating blow.”
“Return this icon to its region,” agreed a signatory who identified himself as Sean Kemple. “It may be insignificant to corporate Coca-Cola but not to the people who love this beverage.”
Northern Neck’s retirement becomes official at the end of this year.